Russia Opens Crypto Trading to Retail Investors with Three Major Assets Approved
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law to regulate cryptocurrencies in the country. The law aims to provide comprehensive regulation of digital assets for the first time, allowing retail investors to buy and sell the most liquid cryptocurrencies.
The central bank has proposed trading three major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether's USDT stablecoin. Retail investors are capped at 300,000 rubles ($3,700) annually per intermediary, while qualified investors have no such restrictions.
The law restricts the use of cryptocurrencies as legal tender for domestic payments but allows settlements under foreign trade contracts between residents and non-residents. The core provisions will take effect on Sep. 1, 2026, with a full implementation by Sep. 1, 2027.